Blackpool Transport prepares ‘moving’ tribute to Armed Forces

Sacrifices made by armed forces heroes are to be honoured as part of a new campaign launched this week.

Members of the local community are being asked to submit the names of service personnel, both past and present, for display on a dedicated tribute bus ahead of remembrance events later in the year.

Lea Harrison, Managing Director, explained: “Every name submitted will represent a story, a sacrifice, and a connection to our local community that we should all be immensely proud of.

“We want to recognise as many local military personnel as possible, and our special bus will remain an eye-catching tribute to our local heroes for the foreseeable future.”

Some of those recognised will also feature on big poppies at the front and back of all trams in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday on November 8.

“Between now and then, we are also hoping to raise money for Empowerment, a charity that supports members of the armed services community in Blackpool and on the Fylde coast,” added Lea, who is himself a former member of the forces.

The initiative forms part of the bus and tram operator’s plans to mark Armed Forces Week (June 22 – 28), which also includes free travel for veterans and serving members of the army, navy and air force on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. The offer is open to anyone carrying a valid ID, such as a Service ID card or a veteran’s badge/ID card and applies across the network.

Donations to Empowerment, which provides veterans with practical help with housing, finance and accessing local services, are entirely optional and can be made via a dedicated JustGiving page here.

Anyone who would like to nominate a hero can do so here, while the full terms and conditions of the Heroes Bus and tram Tribute campaign can be found here.